Monthly Archives: January 2015

LANSING—Michigan Senate Republicans have released some of their legislative goals for the next three months and beyond. State Sen. Goeff Hansen, R-Hart, offered the following statement Thursday on his caucus’s agenda:

“As chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on K-12, School Aid, and Education, I am happy to report that a priority of Senate Republicans will be to ensure more dollars get to the classroom to help improve student achievement and teacher effectiveness. We also will pursue policies to improve school evaluation tools and promote an education system that values early literacy.

“Major economic indicators, such as job creation and unemployment, continue to show that Michigan is the comeback state. We plan to strengthen this recovery with policies that support job providers and foster economic growth, including promoting public/private partnerships and supporting skilled and vocational training.

“Finally, we must make government work more effectively and efficiently for our hard-working lakeshore residents. We will do this by requiring financial accountability for all state departments and ensuring that government works for us, the people.”

LANSING—State Sen. Goeff Hansen, R-Hart, stands in the Senate chamber with his brother, David Hansen (left). David joined Sen. Hansen for Gov. Rick Snyder’s fifth State of the State address Tuesday night.

Note: Click the image for a print-quality version. This and other photos are also available by clicking the Photowire link, above.

LANSING—State Sen. Goeff Hansen, R-Hart, offered the following statement Tuesday after Gov. Rick Snyder delivered his 2015 State of the State address:

“Tonight the governor struck an appropriate balance in championing Michigan’s remarkable comeback and highlighting the work that still needs to be done.

“I am excited about the ‘River of Opportunity,’ the governor’s proposal to restructure and streamline some areas of government. The plan is to once again turn our focus back to caring for people, and not to concentrate our energy on government programs. As the governor stated, this will provide opportunities, rather than create dependencies.

“This restructuring includes a renewed emphasis on the importance of the social safety net for those who are struggling. A distinctive of the River of Opportunity is assisting people back to their feet as quickly as possible to help ensure success.

“The governor also mentioned the importance of vocational education to provide further opportunities and to aid our recovery. I support the governor’s emphasis on the importance of career, technical and skilled-trades opportunities.

“Finally, the governor mentioned fiscal responsibility. We’ve continued to offer balanced budgets on time, and I look forward to another responsible budget being passed in the next few months. As chairman of two Appropriations subcommittees—Transportation and K-12, School Aid, Education—I am eager to get started.”

Note: Audio remarks are available for broadcast. Click on Audio under the Media Center tab, above.

LANSING—State Sen. Goeff Hansen was sworn in as senator of the 34th District on Wednesday during a ceremony at the state Capitol. Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Robert P. Young administered the oath of office.

Hansen was joined on the Senate floor by his wife, Tami. Other family members attending included his parents, Don and Beverly Hansen, his son Blake and his daughter-in-law Falon.

“It is exciting to begin a new chapter of public service,” said Hansen, R-Hart. “I look forward to the work that lies ahead as I represent my wonderful constituents during the 98th Legislature.”

Hansen was re-elected in November to a second term as senator for the 34th District. He also was elected by his Senate colleagues that month to be the new assistant Senate majority leader.

Hansen announced on Wednesday that he will serve as chairman of the Senate Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Committee and vice chairman of the Senate Government Operations Committee.

He also will serve on the Michigan Capitol Committee and the Appropriations Committee, as well as the following Appropriations subcommittees: Capital Outlay; Community Health; K-12, School Aid, Education (chairman); and Transportation (chairman).

Note: For a print-quality version of this or other Hansen photos, click the image or click the Photowire link, above.